Anglican Church in Bergen

                                       Committee Meeting Minutes: 11 October 2008

Present: Iris Bjørnø, Ana Duerr, Eirik Duerr, Peter Hogarth, Astrid Johannessen, Rosemary Lund, Paul Ofoche, Frances Valeur

The meeting scheduled for 15 September had to be cancelled due to a conflict in Rev. Hogarth’s schedule. Instead a quick impromptu meeting was held following the church services on the 14^th of September to explain the situation. The current meeting was held in the Bjørnø residence; Rev. Peter Hogarth presiding. An opening prayer was offered at 19:25.

1. The minutes of the 28 July Committee Meeting were distributed and reviewed. The minutes were approved.

Matters Arising

2. Peter met the person at Korskirke responsible for bookings, regarding a Carol Service. There wasn't time to discuss things in detail but Peter got his contact information and will be following it up this week. He will try to book either the 18^th or the 19^th of December, if that works for David Weaver. Once a date has been established, work on publicity for the event can begin.

3. A scanner/copier/printer was purchased for 350 NOK and is now in the office area of the Engensenter chapel.

4. Harald Grønnevik mentioned to Iris that he would like to attend a Songs of Praise service, possibly with members of his congregation. Peter suggested one of the 5th Sundays, either November 30^th or March 29^th. Iris thought he would prefer a date after the new year. Hymn suggestions from his congregation would be welcomed.

5. Peter gave a report on the Synod trip to Stockholm. A church issue that was addressed was the ordination of female bishops. Positions pro and con were discussed and finally a letter to the Diocesan Synod was drafted expressing support for such ordinations, reflecting the positions of the other Porvoo member churches. Presentations were given on the ‘Fresh Expressions’ movement in England in which social outreach projects to the poor and youth became church events and eventually brought these people into the church. The Archbishop encourages us to take a closer look and consider such possibilities in our own areas.

Treasurer’s Report

6. Paul reminded Peter about the need for travel invoices.

7. The spreadsheet used to track financial transactions has been expanded.

Other Business

8. Regarding the Carol Service (21^th December), Peter will contact Revds Grønnevik, Sakseid, and Knudsen to solicit their participation in readings. Iris will contact others, including the British Consul. It was suggested we also hold a cake and book sale, as we have in other years.

9. It was decided that the venue for the raffle and coffee after the Carol Service would be the kantine of the Engensenter. Peter will contact Sigurd Pettersen to book the kantine.

10. Organizing the choir for the Carol Service always seems to work out; if we can schedule the Songs of Praise, perhaps the choir can hold together for both services.

11. Kristingle, 14^th December: Per Bjørnø will bring back sugar drops from England; Iris will contact Penny Mietle regarding oranges (50 navels) and will supply the red tape; Peter will bring the candles. Felicity should be consulted regarding the possible holding of the Christmas Story during this service. This year it is our turn to purchase and erect the Christmas tree.

12. Peter informed the committee that Geir Sakseid of the International Church will be leaving his position there to become minister for a church in Os. This transition will occur some time towards the end of this year. The fate of the International Church is unclear at the present time, but the American Lutheran minister living in Bergen (Clare .....) will conduct services for a while.

13. Use of the Engensenter chapel by DELK will end soon. Peter suggested we set up a real office and remove the material presently cluttering the office. Peter will request of the Engensenter permission to ‘clean and put things in order’ in the office.

14. Ana suggested that our participation in the annual International School jumble sale be dropped, or at least reduced to a minimum. Experience in recent years has been unpleasant and less lucrative relative to the work involved. This opinion was seconded by Iris.

15. Saturday evening, 13 December is the earliest Peter can attend another committee meeting. If one is needed before then, he requests that he be kept informed.

Respectfully submitted: Eirik O. Duerr